Description

This is Cochiti's "summer crag" offering more shade than other Cochiti crags. There are roughly 30 routes, many of which are in the 5.10/11 range, making this a good crag for intermediate climbers. Routes here tend to be longer than at the Mesa, with one excellent line featuring 13 bolts. Eagle Canyon is also home to Cochiti's hardest route, the excellent test piece Didgemaster.

In the height of summer this crag receives sun until about 1100am. On cooler fall and spring days, a small amount of sun hits the wall in the morning before the shade hits.

The bulk of the routes are on the South side of the canyon, but there are about 4 routes on the North sides of the canyon (3 moderates, and the 5.13 "Nikita"). The North cliff has the same aspect as the rest of the Cochiti cliffs, so these routes receive morning shade and afternoon sun.

The cliff on the South side of the canyon can be easily divided into two sections by a narrow "tunnel" that separates the cliffs between the routes Turkey Baster and Manhattan. This passage offers X-rated (dangerous, not pornographic) access between the two halves. Its also possible (and strongly advised) to use the cliff base trail system to move between the cliffs.

Getting There

Follow driving directions as for Cochiti Mesa, but park at a big switchback in the road where a sign marks the "Dome Wilderness Trail". Park here but follow a climber's trail that branches off left from the Dome Trail within 20 feet of the parking area. The trail heads West for about 50 feet, then turns right and contours along a steep slope for several hundred yards, before turning left (W) into the mouth of Eagle Canyon. Continue up the mouth of the canyon for 5 minutes until the cliffs are visible on the left. Several poorly-defined trails lead up to various points along the cliff-base.

The above approach is probably the best option for most users, but there is now a new approach option for those headed to the western most routes (the routes near Bunga Bunga). This "trail" is hard to follow and requires walking through an abundance of shrubbery, but it is fast. Continue up the road a bit. The road will get very steep, turn to the left, then switchback to the right. You will drive through a narrow cleft, and then the road turns hard left again. Park in this area. From the left switchback, an abandoned road grade climbs a steady slope to the NW. Follow an intermittent trail along this road for about 5 minutes, at which point pink flagging should appear to the right. Follow this flagging in a bushwhacking fashion to the top (W) end of Eagle Canyon. This 'trail' should deposit you just above the route Didgemaster. Good idea to wear long pants for this approach.

Routes (From Left to Right)

The first 9 routes are accessed from the first split off on the Eagle Canyon trail.

After the second trail cut off, routes 10 and 11 are on the left side of a tunnel. One can also access these climbs by continuing down and to the right of the tunnel, then walking back up and through it.

Another excellent, long line. This route features sustained difficulty with numerous hard sections split by good rests. The route begins at the base of the west-facing wall and heads up, veering right as you ascend. The access trail to Didgemaster offers great opportunities for photography, making this line quite photogenic.The route begins relatively easily. After about 25 feet, head right via sequential pockets left of the cave pod, where a good shake is possible. Continue up left of th...[more]Browse More Classics in NM